Dr. Russell Kennedy on Mastering Anxiety: From Neuroscience to Stand-Up Comedy
So just these things sometimes come to me. I'm afraid because I've got this huge tax bill coming up. So you develop this hypervigilance as a child, and that hypervigilance needs an energetic output, and worry becomes the energetic output because it makes sense of what's going on.
Ever wondered how someone can juggle being a doctor, neuroscientist, yoga teacher, and stand-up comedian, all while battling anxiety? Meet Dr. Russell Kennedy, also known as 'The Anxiety MD'. In this episode of 'Cracking Open with Molly Carroll', Dr. Kennedy shares his remarkable journey through decades of crippling anxiety and the diverse therapies he explored to find relief. Molly Carroll, herself no stranger to anxiety, feels a deep connection to Dr. Kennedy's story, making this episode both personal and enlightening.
Dr. Kennedy’s journey is a tapestry of various therapies—from cognitive therapy and medications to plant medicine and meditation. He even took his healing journey to the stage as a stand-up comedian! Through these experiences, he developed an award-winning book, 'Anxiety Rx', which offers practical, actionable advice for managing anxiety. Listeners will find themselves engrossed in discussions about trauma, developing a sense of safety, and the concept of 'anxiety adrenaline'. Dr.
Kennedy explains how somatic experiencing and finding a 'counter vortex' can help mitigate the 'trauma vortex'. The episode is packed with practical tips grounded in the latest neuroscience and body wisdom. If you’re looking for ways to manage your anxiety or are curious about innovative approaches to mental health, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights. Whether you're struggling with anxiety yourself or supporting someone who is, Dr. Kennedy's story is both inspiring and informative.